cupcake studio

fall morning

2011-11-08T07:33:00.000-05:00

Richly blessed with a gorgeous foggy fall morning.

a fall family reunion...and rediscovering shrinky dinks

2011-11-06T19:01:00.000-05:00

My sister & I hosted our Nicol family reunion yesterday. I know that reunions are usually summertime affairs, but really a fall family reunion was delightful. We had a potluck, with so many potato and cheese dishes, Jell-o salads, pies and even oyster dressing. As we said on one of our Nicol-ism cards, "You might be a Nicol if your 4 food groups are: Meat, Potatoes, Noodles & Cheese." It's the truth in our family!

Instead of a White Elephant gift exchange, we decided to invite everyone to bring a handmade gift. (We treated it like a White Elephant exchange however, as we drew numbers, then each person had the choice to "steal" a gift, or select a new one from the table...we got up to the number 22 before someone actually stole one! Then the fun began...)

There was everything from jalepeno jelly, a paracord bracelet (that Young Boy made,) homemade candies, handsewn potholders & aprons, photography, handmade birdhouses and even a treetop angel. At the end, my dad asked everyone tell who had made what...it was great to see so much talent, right there in our own family!

I took some handmade holiday ornaments for my gift. My favorite was the one below. It's a vintage photo of our family (waaaay back when!) printed out onto Shrinky Dinks, then shrunk into a little credit-card sized ornament. It took a little trial & error, but it was so much fun! Watching it shrink up in the oven, it was like I was ten again. Might have to make some more for the holidays.

So grateful for such a warm & loving family!

a perfectly fine fall saturday

2011-10-09T22:47:00.000-04:00

Had the best day with my sister yesterday. An autumn day trip right in our own county. Cooley's Greenhouse, The Cheese House, French Hen Farm and our church cemetery (I know, that last one came about as we were looking for bittersweet amongst fence rows.) So grateful for inspiring & relaxing days!

a french hen weekend!

2011-10-06T07:32:00.000-04:00

SO excited! The Fall French Hen Farm Sale in Marysville, OH. This Friday & Saturday, 9 to 5. It promises to be glorious! (Wishing you ladies a perfect weekend :)

Photo compliments of Linda's gorgeous blog.

gatherings magazine

2011-10-04T07:04:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this? Wow.

carrots!

2011-09-09T19:03:00.000-04:00

My first-ever homegrown carrots! Can't wait to eat that giant purple one.

a domestic day...

2011-08-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

I was a pasta-sauce making machine today! Yum.

8th grader

2011-08-25T05:11:00.000-04:00

We made a deal. I wouldn't walk him in to school today. In exchange (for not embarrassing him,) he had to pose for a couple of photos at home. Can't believe Young Boy is an 8th grader.

happy back to school day!

2011-08-24T07:15:00.000-04:00

new etsy goodies

2011-08-13T22:23:00.000-04:00

Some new sparkly magnets in the shop...enjoy the day!

happiness this morning...

2011-08-11T08:34:00.000-04:00

I don't have a green thumb. Never have. So imagine my delight when things actually grow in my little garden! It's gonna be a good day.

pretty lettering & a sweet quote

2011-08-10T22:27:00.000-04:00

fair-goers of the great-grandparent kind

2011-07-27T20:07:00.000-04:00

I tell him all the time..."You're so lucky to be 13 and have great-grandparents!" Just love them all!

blue-ribbon days

2011-07-26T20:30:00.000-04:00

What's better than a blue ribbon? (A pink one, maybe...)

county fair time

2011-07-25T23:21:00.000-04:00

Very proud of this young man!

super cute cupcake necklace

2011-07-23T22:20:00.000-04:00

I had to. (Perhaps I can blame it on the heat wave we're having...) Just look at it, though. A tiny sterling cupcake necklace! What could be cuter? Found it at Shabby Apple...an awesome site. Hope you're all staying cool.

simple joys

2011-07-11T07:48:00.000-04:00

Wishing you a week filled with sunshine...filled with joy. (More Germany posts to come...in a bit.) Enjoying summer!

grateful for freedom

2011-07-04T07:43:00.000-04:00

germany - beer

2011-06-29T07:53:00.000-04:00

C'mon. It's Germany. I had to do it. The beer there is plentiful...and pretty.

And while in the next photos, it may appear that I am a bad mother...yes, I did let Young Boy taste it. We were in Germany, for gracious sakes...and, he's never tried it before. Know what? Even though he's smiling, he hated it :) (And those were borrowed mugs, not his own!)

I asked our hostess about drinking beer during the workday (say, on your lunch break) and she said that is quite acceptable. Go figure.

I didn't partake in any of the golden beverage while we were there...just not my thing. But I do appreciate the craft...it seemed as if every town had its own special brew. Tradition...that's cool.

germany - food

2011-06-28T05:30:00.000-04:00

Second only to the flowers...the food! For some reason, I felt the need to photo-document most of our meals. This proved 2 things. #1--We ate a lot. #2--We ate a LOT of sausage. By my calculation...5 of us were in Germany for 10 days. If we each ate at least one sausage per day (which I'm positive we all did!) that's more than 50 sausages, people!

Oh, and here's a fun fact that we learned. "Traditional" German Potato Salad (which we have always served hot in the U.S.) is actually served cold / lukewarm!

Even though the lady is blurry in this photo, it's one of my favorites. The oldest sausage kitchen in Germany...in Regensberg.

Okay, it wasn't all about the sausage, sometimes we had pretzels...

and ice cream...

and poppyseed pastries.

Let's not forget the apple strudel!

And while we're on apples...my sweet sister really wanted a fried McDonald's Apple Pie (evidently, they bake them in the States...)

The one thing that I missed while on vacation (well, aside from my entire make-up bag that I forgot at home...) was ice. I'm not sure why Americans put ice in their drinks, but I sure do appreciate it. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a small Starbucks "problem." In Munich, I found a Starbucks...and ice.

Young Boy found a new cola, Schwip Schwap.

Pork cutlet cordon bleu.

Homemade NOODLES.

Beef with the tastiest horseradish sauce, boiled potatoes, carrots & onions...mmm.

The BEST meals were homemade by our lovely hostess Gini. Cooking is a passion for her and her food tasted amazing! Traditional German Potato Balls and Cabbage Salad with Bacon.

This Strawberry Cake with Meringue-like top melted in your mouth!

And, Homemade Spaetzle. This dinner was so scrumptious!

For the meals in Gini's home, she set the table with white linen napkins and beautiful silver napkin rings. I'm pretty sure that she's the German-version of Martha Stewart! Such a gracious and talented soul.

Oh wait, found another sausage picture!

germany - flowers

2011-06-27T06:37:00.000-04:00

My absolute favorite part of the trip? The FLOWERS. Everywhere. From the tiny villages to the bigger cities, the flower boxes were brimming. And the gardens...oh, the gardens!

I got the prize for the most geranium photos.

germany - family

2011-06-26T11:40:00.000-04:00

We just returned from a ten-day holiday in Germany. For a gal that's never been outside of the U.S., it was a pretty big deal! Will share bits & pieces in the next few (photo-heavy) posts.

When we arrived, we were greeted by our cousins (for real, my mom has been corresponding with them on the internet for quite some time.)

Little did we know what wonderful, sweets hosts and lovely friends they would become. They welcomed us into their home from the moment we arrived, cooked amazing meals for us and toured us around to so many gorgeous places...they treated us like family from the get-go. Warmest thanks, Mani & Gini...thanks to you, it was a trip of a lifetime!

fridays are fun

2011-05-13T07:17:00.001-04:00

Fridays make me so excited for the weekend! This weekend's agenda? One good catnap and taking time to smell some of these.

a sweet etsy shop...linen & oak

2011-05-10T07:07:00.000-04:00

Check out my friend Laura's new etsy shop, Linen & Oak. Luscious color combos and lovely workmanship...her pillow covers are just the thing to spruce up your home for Spring.

cooley's greenhouse...a happy place to be

2011-05-09T05:37:00.000-04:00

I first met Allison at a little local craft show when she visited my table and proclaimed that she read my blog (and really, I'm pretty sure that only my sister reads my blog!) Allison is cute, artistic, a super-talented writer...and a lovely, creative greenhouse owner. My mom & I stopped by on Saturday and it's truly a little piece of heaven. The flowers...oh, the flowers! If you're in the central Ohio area, do stop by. I can't wait to go back! Maybe this will be the year of my green thumb!?

happy mom's day

2011-05-08T08:46:00.000-04:00

To my mom, grandma & sister...hope it's a lovely day!

lunch

2011-04-28T22:51:00.000-04:00

A sweet surprise from a very kind soul...fluffed up my day, I'll tell ya.

a cute little house, a fun little auction, a happy little saturday...

2011-04-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

grand opening...

2011-04-05T05:17:00.003-04:00

...of my very teeny tiny vintage "booth." Cupcake stands, vintage bon-bon magnets, milkglass & more. At Goodies Galore in Marysville, OH.

why i love sundays...

2011-04-04T21:17:00.000-04:00

sometimes it's the little things...

2011-03-29T20:40:00.000-04:00

happy heart day

2011-02-14T07:17:00.001-05:00

where i've been hanging out

2011-02-12T20:18:00.000-05:00

Hey, wait a minute...where is this new year going? We've been hanging out in the gym, getting bleacher butt, watching Young Boy in his first year of Jr. High basketball. It warms my heart, I tell ya...watching this young man grow up. Sweet boys, the whole bunch of 'em.

comfort & joy

2010-12-26T22:59:00.000-05:00

Random cheer throughout December...Young Boy celebrates his 13th birthday, Christmas Day (and the snowman blow-up erection) at my sister's, our "big" family Christmas at my folks house on the 26th...and a few of our favorite neighborhood lights (that Grinch in the last shot cracks me up!) Comfort & joy indeed.

Happy Holidays to all!

Merry Christmas to all...and to all, a good night.

happy thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a thoughtful and relaxing day.

matthew mead holiday

2010-11-23T07:36:00.000-05:00

Oh. my. word. If you haven't purchased your copy, you really must. This book-a-zine is packed full of gorgeous color, inspiring design and awesome holiday ideas. You'll be happy just reading it, I promise. And...if having one of my little bracelets pictured inside wasn't enough, look what I woke up to this morning! Cool. No seriously, COOL!!! Thanks, Matthew Mead for making my holidays!

Treat yourself, go get yours here. You'll be so glad you did.
Merry Christmas!

2011 calendar is here!

2010-11-07T20:56:00.001-05:00

Yeah! Fresh from the printer, it's here! Filled with fresh, new photos...hope you love it.

happy weekend!

2010-10-30T09:14:00.000-04:00

monday. check.

2010-10-25T21:00:00.000-04:00

I was reminded today of people that live good & gracious lives. Wishing you a joyful week.

sinkholes & backhoes

2010-10-08T07:28:00.000-04:00

You may remember when this happened. All summer, we've searched for the right person to fill in our old cistern and replace a lot of cracking concrete. Yep, now it looks like this. Yesterday while the guys were digging, they found an old well that used to run by a windmill. Pretty cool from a history standpoint. Not so cool when it's creating a giant sinkhole under your driveway.

I'm pretty sure that I can see beauty beyond this...

french hen farm - fall sale is coming!

2010-09-25T18:32:00.002-04:00

Ahh yes, I skipped the Country Living Fair this year...saving up my bucks for Linda's sale. French Hen Farm...a beautiful red barn, a lively group of gals with gorgeous goodies! If you're in the central Ohio area, GO! This is a lovely little sale that's steeped with soul and creativity.

French Hen Farm Fall Sale - Friday & Saturday, October 1st & 2nd, 9 to 5.

when life hands you a perfectly fine saturday...

2010-09-20T07:12:00.000-04:00

when good things happen to nice people...

2010-09-13T20:05:00.000-04:00

How absolutely delighted & excited I am for my friend, Mary. We met lots of years ago when we worked together, side-by-side and believe me when I say that we've shared many-a-laugh (and some pretty good family stories!) She's one of those gals who celebrates life, is an ever-thoughtful mom and an all-around creative, country soul. I don't get the pleasure of her in-person company as much anymore, but my heart swells for her tonight as I read her newly published feature in the Oct./Nov. issue of MaryJanes Farm. Congratulations you dear, sweet lady! It's just the beginning for you...

it wouldn't be the holidays without...matthew mead!

2010-09-13T07:29:00.000-04:00

Have you ordered your copy? Did you know it's only available here? Matthew Mead, the king of style, design & fresh ideas. This is one bookazine that you won't want to be without this Christmas...hurry over to get yours. (And, there just might be a little something featured from someone you know! Wink.)

this morning

2010-09-12T08:28:00.000-04:00

After 15 years of living in this old farmhouse, I've never heard it. (I guess it takes a puppy to get you outside early on a Sunday morning,) Cool, crisp, quiet...then, early morning church bells. Absolutely glorious.

2011...yes or no?

2010-08-28T18:50:00.004-04:00

So, looking forward to the Autumn months and I'm wondering...should there be a 2011 cupcake studio calendar?

please pass the salt...

2010-08-25T07:17:00.000-04:00

Sole survivors from the little wilting garden...c'mon autumn!

love those stampington folks!

2010-08-23T20:19:00.003-04:00

Wow, this made my Monday, I'll tell you! Thank you, Stampington and Take Ten magazine for featuring some of my little cards...I'm so excited!

sweatin' with my sister at the ohio state fair

2010-08-05T21:18:00.006-04:00

Sheep day at The Ohio State Fair...Young Boy with his sheep, Tina. (As in "Eat your food, Tina!" from the movie, Napoleon Dynamite.)

Marysville folks, REMEMBER these guys!?

Yep, that's fried cookie dough, people.

Fun times.

happy birthday to me!

2010-07-17T21:38:00.002-04:00

This, my dear friends, is a really good sister! Today was my birthday and we went to an auction where we (okay, I) proceeded to purchase just a little too much to fill my little vehicle. This is how my sister rode home, holding two chairs! (Funny, it doesn't look as cramped as it really was...guess you have to imagine me in the driver's seat.) She didn't complain once (well, except when her arms started to fall asleep.) The best sister indeed!

school supply time!

2010-07-11T19:43:00.003-04:00

Much to my delight, during a quick trip to Target last night, I spied a pencil-shaped sign, "School Supplies This Way!" My pace quickened as I walked to the back of the store...oh man, I do love the school supplies! It was just 2 little aisles full, but a nice sneak peek of what might be ahead. They had cupcake notebooks, a little glitzy for me, but cute nonetheless.
Something I did love is this "create your own" line. Super-fun, color-in-your-own folders, notebooks, pencil boxes...even kleenex boxes.

Ahh, the supplies.

happy 4th

2010-07-04T07:14:00.000-04:00

Celebrating family and freedom today. Hope you enjoy every minute.

i have a confession...

2010-07-03T08:05:00.003-04:00

I find it perfectly acceptable for a 40+ year-old to enjoy these movies. (Oh my, this is a great film!)

happy sunday

2010-06-13T07:41:00.002-04:00

77 days of summer

2010-06-08T22:34:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the last day of the sixth grade. After the school awards ceremony, we enjoyed lunch with Young Boy's favorite aunt, then went to see Shrek in 3D. Pretty fun stuff! Wow, 77 days until we have a seventh grader!?

the green owl

2010-06-06T16:47:00.004-04:00

If you ever find yourself in Urbana, Ohio, stop by The Green Owl. It's soooo much fun! Eclectic, handmade, vintage...purses & bags, jewelry, cards & tags, homemade soaps. Owner, Kristie is sweet-as-can-be and talk about creative, oh my! You can visit her shop, Facebook page or her etsy site.

Thanks, Kristie for such a fun place to shop!

springfield flea market

2010-05-17T05:02:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the perfect day for the flea market! Had a fun time with my sister, got a few small treasures and enjoyed the sights. Yep, my favorite way to enjoy the weekend!

the 200 dollar card (don't look if you're squeamish)

2010-05-16T20:23:00.002-04:00

So the other night, my boys were gone...perfect time for a little crafting! I made one card and thought it needed a little flower embellishment. Using my best sewing scissors (yes, I do know better!) I was cutting the little flower from its WIRE stem and in that split second, I also cut a little 'v-chunk' in my skin! How embarrassing...it required 2 stitches! (And, I had to throw the flower away because I ruined it. Ugh.)

a tuesday smile from starbucks

2010-05-11T19:18:00.003-04:00

Had a busy day, didn't take lunch 'til 2:30pm. I needed (yes, needed...) my Starbucks Iced Tea and I also picked up a ham breakfast sandwich to tide me over. Got back on the freeway to go back to work when I spotted this note. Hammy for Tammy. Now that's funny! Thanks, Rose (or was it Mike!?)

it's the little things...

2010-04-27T21:36:00.001-04:00

These smell incredible this year.

a new job, a new dog...a new life really

2010-04-20T05:12:00.002-04:00

Wow. Life. What I've learned in the past few weeks...

A new puppy is like a baby. He needs constant attention and love. (And lots of the "no" word.)

A new job. One like I've never worked before. I'm in my third week at my new career and it's bringing me pure joy. The days fly by. The people are genuine, sweet and welcoming.

A new job doing something I never imagined I'd do after spending most of my adult life in marketing & retail (which I adored,) this...this is a job where people matter, not the "stuff." It feels like home already.

Blessings come when you least expect them. I'm thankful. Truly thankful.

Photos by my sweet sister who is also finding her blessings in her photography business.

want to win?

2010-04-16T21:24:00.002-04:00

Check out Redhead Recipes...you could win a cupcake studio cupcake stand!

He is risen indeed

2010-04-04T05:05:00.000-04:00

bodhi

2010-03-30T15:59:00.003-04:00

Meet Bodhi. He's a Boggle (that's humane-society-mutt-talk for a boxer-beagle mix.) 10 weeks old, pure puppy. His favorite things? Young Boy, tennis shoes and whatever pair of underwear he can reach from the dirty clothes. We've never been a dog family before, so us and the 2 cats...we're getting to know one another. Just when I've reached my biting & chewing limit, he gives me that puppy look.

Daggone it...he's cute.

Any & all puppy-raising tips are appreciated! We're crate training and it's going really well. We need help with the biting & chewing issues though.

springtime bauble

2010-03-16T05:31:00.000-04:00

a beautiful idea

2010-03-15T05:27:00.001-04:00

Cupcake Studio is so delighted to be participating in A Beautiful Idea.

Evie has gathered a lovely group of artists that will donate the proceeds from their selected items each month to a very special charity. What an awesome (& easy) way to give back! Read more about A Beautiful Idea here. Now, go get shopping!

vintage groove

2010-03-14T16:04:00.003-04:00

Minding my own business at Target today and just look what jumped into my cart! I was giddy to finally see this new line by Making Memories...it's so pretty!

business-y thank you's

2010-03-04T14:37:00.003-05:00

Lately, I've needed to send some professional thank-you notes. I have a hard time sending a store-bought-ultra-professional-looking card, so I compromised. Picked up these scalloped note flats at Staples and embellished them just a little. Hopefully they're still business-y, but also a little "me" as well.

A special shout-out to Kimmay for featuring one of my cupcake stands on her blog...what a nice surprise!

march!

2010-02-28T22:25:00.002-05:00

...that must mean spring, right?

when it's still snowing...

2010-02-25T12:38:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you have to create your own Spring.Charming birdcage stamps by Jenny Doh available here.

got cupcakes?

2010-02-23T17:10:00.002-05:00

Perfect for jewelry, paperclips in your studio, or a single birthday cupcake! New cupcake pedestals just listed in the shop.

lambing season at papa's

2010-02-22T08:40:00.003-05:00

This picture of Ruby & her baby lambs cracks me up...can't every mother relate?

and the winner is...

2010-02-22T08:26:00.001-05:00

patientmom

Congrats! Just email me: tami.cupcakestudio(at)gmail.com with the address you'd like your stamps sent to :)

clear stamp giveaway

2010-02-19T08:47:00.003-05:00

Want to win some free stamps? Just leave a comment here by Monday morning (Feb. 22, 2010) 6am est. Easy as that!

Want 2 chances to win? Blog about this giveaway sharing a link to this post, then comment back here with the link to your post. (You can even borrow the photo that's here.)

I'll announce the winner on Monday morning.

Happy weekend everybody!

favorite etsy seller

2010-02-16T12:33:00.003-05:00

Pink Grapefruit Style. Have you been there? It's one of my favorite etsy shops! Holly always has great stuff...the cutie-patootie dish & baubles that you see her are all from her shop. Go visit, bet you'll find something fun!

happy valentine's day!

2010-02-14T05:58:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a sweet day!
Pretty cookies compliments of Miss Michelle. (Michelle, they were so good! Thank you!)

happy friday

2010-02-12T07:15:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a cozy day!

sweet tweets

2010-02-07T18:01:00.003-05:00

Took a little mixed-media class last week at The Market at Serendip. The sweet & talented Jen Float was the instructor and what a gem she is! Her artwork is so happy...do visit her blog and etsy shop. It's good for me to step out of the box and try something new (although I think I need a little help on my bird eyes!) Thanks for being such a fun & enthusiastic teacher, Jen!

Update on the previous post: Young Boy is fine, just a couple of bruises, thank Heavens! I still can't believe it all. Warmest thanks to everyone who has called and left kind words for us. We are the luckiest family! Now, as Young Boy has been saying, "Can we just put this behind us now!?"

God is good

2010-02-06T02:31:00.004-05:00

Earlier in the evening, I was going to title this post "Why we have 12-year olds."

We're getting some major snow here right now and Young Boy was out playing in it, shoveling and throwing snowballs with his dad. A site that makes a mom smile.

Just as quickly as you can throw a snowball, a total freak accident happened. Young Boy fell into an old cistern / well full of water and was hanging on for dear life...I was hanging on with him...and so was God.

I'll spare you all the gory details. After a thorough check-over and aside from some scrapes, bumps & bruises and some very sore muscles, Young Boy is fine. Thank you, God! No really...THANK YOU, GOD.

I wasn't going to post about this, but after 2 Advil PM and no sleep, I decided differently. I've never been a real "witness" to God and I think He'd want me to use this opportunity to tell you about Him.

I also just want to share 4 things:

1. If you live on 'older' property (in the country) with well covers and such, PLEASE check them and tell your kiddos NOT to walk on them. Ever. (I can't tell you how many times we walked on that old steel-plate cover.)

2. There IS a God. He listens to your cries for help. He gives you strength that you didn't know you had...just ask me and my 12-yr. old.

3. 911 operators, deputies, EMT's, nurses & doctors are all God's angels, walking around here on earth. It's true.

4. There is nothing more important than your family. Family that you love and family that loves you.

Be well my friends, be well.

let's just call this the soup blog, shall we?

2010-02-03T05:06:00.001-05:00

Made a new recipe...a big pot of smoky chili. It's quick & easy and super tasty and I'm thinking might be good for Super Bowl Sunday.

Chipotle Chili

quick drizzle of olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 lb. ground turkey, browned & drained
1 t. cumin
14-oz. can beef broth
28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
15-oz. can black beans, drained
16-oz. can refried black beans
1/2 c. chipotle salsa
2 T. chipotle bbq sauce
a few dashes of smoky Tabasco sauce

Garnish: Cheddar cheese

Add olive oil to medium saucepan and cook onions over medium until almost clear. Add browned turkey and remaining ingredients stirring until the refried beans have been incorporated. Bring chili to a boil then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Top with cheese to serve.

doggone that dollar spot!

2010-02-01T14:29:00.001-05:00

...it gets me every time!

polly made me do it!

2010-01-28T05:27:00.001-05:00

I've been reading Polly's blog, Sassafras Stuff for awhile now and admiring her style from afar. Then came along this post. This is the post that got me into my car, driving an hour to peek inside The Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall where I had the privilege of seeing Polly's style (and incredible merchandising!) firsthand. Just look at her amazing use of color and blending of vintage goods. She should be in a magazine!I was lucky to acquire a couple of those sweet little vocabulary cards from her booth.

A few more snaps around the store. Oh, how I wanted this old salesman's card of shoe buckles, but it was $45. so there it stayed.

Also got this Bobbsey Twins book for a dollar, so I was a happy camper.
If you ever find yourself in Lancaster, Ohio, this place is a treasure! Polly's booths alone are so worth the trip!

an easy way to help

2010-01-27T15:56:00.000-05:00

The delightful artist, Rebecca Sower, has started an etsy shop, Haiti by Hand. So many talented artists are donating beautiful works for this worthy cause...check it out. There are incredible new things every day. Every penny of the sale of each item is donated directly to the hands of Haitian women and families. You can read about her love for and direct involvement with Haiti here. It's such an easy way for us all to help make a difference.

hurting hearts

2010-01-14T14:45:00.002-05:00

Sending up prayers for all the little hearts in Haiti.

snow days...and sausage soup

2010-01-09T11:14:00.003-05:00

We had our first snow day yesterday...this steamy, brothy, hearty soup was just the ticket for dinner. It's soooo yummy!
Sausage Soup
It simmers nearly 2 hours, but it's so worth the wait!

1 lb. ground hot turkey sausage
1 big onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
8 cups chicken broth
14.5 oz. can petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
8-oz. can tomato sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
2 t. Italian seasoning
1/2 c. dried orzo pasta

In a big soup pot, brown & drain sausage well. Add onion, carrots, celery, chicken broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic & seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover & simmer for an hour. Add uncooked orzo pasta, return to boiling, then simmer, uncovered for half hour to an hour. Enjoy!

lucia's ginger cookies...and a happy new year

2009-12-31T22:00:00.004-05:00

Once upon a time, in a little Midwest town, there lived a German grandma named Lucia. She was 85 and made the best crackle-ginger cookies in all of the land. For more than 70 years, she made these cookies...but just once a year, at Christmastime. Kids, grandkids and great-grandkids always eagerly awaited the presentation of the cookie tray. Some had even been known to secretly spy, then sneak a couple of these ginger gems. It seemed Lucia was unaware of the prestige of her homemade goodies, so when asked by two grand-girls if they could "watch" her make her ordinary cookies, she was a bit taken aback, but agreed anyhow.
The grand-girls couldn't quite put their finger on just where the magic resided. The special dough, the gently-aged cookie sheets, the rolling of the logs, the sprinkling of sugar, the distinctive diagonal cut? Magic. It was in there somewhere.

We love you, Grandma! Thanks for sharing one of the most special days with us...we can't wait to eat those cookies on Saturday!
More sweet memories like this are what I hope our new year will be made of. Happy 2010!

2009~you're outta here!

2009-12-29T20:22:00.003-05:00

I feel a little bad saying this, but I can't wait 'til 2009 is over. Don't get me wrong, a lot of great things happened in '09, but the last few months gave me a bad taste.

For 14 years, I worked at a job I loved (and was really good at.) It ended in October. Ever since, I've been a little numb. Numb because someone there once said that I was like a daughter to them...yet let me 'go' without a fight or a goodbye. 14 years, poof.

I guess the spirit of the holidays has brought the emotions to surface and I am anxious to put the year (and its memories) behind me.

Thank God for my family & friends who uplift me and encourage me daily. Thank God for my sweet son who makes me laugh and thank God for the talents, patience & forgiveness that He's given me. Can't wait to embark on new, exciting & authentic adventures, and make some new friends along the way!

So c'mon 2010...I'm ready for ya. It's gonna be good!

blessings.

2009-12-27T06:14:00.001-05:00

joy.

2009-12-26T05:17:00.000-05:00

love.

2009-12-25T05:01:00.000-05:00

peace.

2009-12-24T05:20:00.000-05:00

windy meadows farm

2009-12-23T05:07:00.000-05:00

A very sweet friend of mine has just started a blog, Windy Meadows Farm. Stop by for a visit and keep an eye on this gal...she is a wonderfully gifted writer that will keep us dreaming as she pens her delightful farmhouse memories.

the messiah

2009-12-21T22:21:00.003-05:00

My dad who loves to sing (no really, I mean LOVES to sing!) sang in The Messiah with our community choir the last two nights. Man, that Alleluia Chorus gets me every time!
We're so proud of you, Papa!

graduation sunday

2009-12-20T22:24:00.005-05:00

What a glorious day! My 88-year old grandpa received his high school diploma during church this morning. When he was a teenager, Grandpa left high school to work on the family dairy farm and later was drafted to serve in World War II. He has spent his life on that farm, working so hard, raising his family, carrying on his German heritage and sharing his love for God (in the same church that most of my family still attends so many years later.)

My dear dad (that's him up there at the podium) has been working for months to gather paperwork and obtain his diploma because Grandpa had told my dad and his 4 brothers a few times over the years, "I sure wish I'd have gotten my high school diploma."
It was a complete surprise for Grandpa this morning...and he beamed from ear to ear. After the service, he jokingly said that maybe he could get a good job now. Love you, Grandpa Pearl!

evie s. love

2009-12-14T15:28:00.003-05:00

A great holiday gift guide (including the cupcake studio calendar!) Check out this lovely gal's blog and etsy shop.

thanks to foundhandmade

2009-12-14T15:11:00.001-05:00

Yeah! More calendar love on foundhandmade.com. Thanks, guys!

calling in the elves

2009-12-14T05:27:00.001-05:00

Decorating...shopping...December 25th comes around each & every year. I know it's coming, so why? Why do I procrastinate? Even though I've had a bit more time on my hands this year (ahem), I'm still gathering wishes, making lists...and shopping.
So here's hoping this perky little pixie will inspire me to pick some perfect presents this week.
I think I got this little wreath in a box lot of 'stuff' from an auction. This is the first year I've hung him up and Young Boy insists that he "weirds him out." I insist that he's cute, kitschy & charming. Wishing you a lovely week!

santa & his reindeer

2009-12-11T10:35:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, we went to the North Pole (not really, it was Dublin, Ohio) to see Santa & his reindeer. My sister couldn't WAIT to have her photo taken with Santa.

Young Boy on the other hand wasn't so keen on having a photo with Santa. Evidently, when you're 12, that's just not cool anymore.

The reindeer, however, now they were cool! We made Young Boy pose for additional photos since he wasn't so nice to Santa. Ahh, the holidays.

And while we're all sharing in a little holiday magic, please read this post from Lisa at Urban Farmhouse and send a Christmas card to a little boy who really needs it.

greetings

2009-12-02T09:12:00.003-05:00

Today is about celebrating the small stuff. Glitter, buttons and handmade greetings. Starting to feel a lot like Christmas!

a happy day!

2009-11-30T05:05:00.000-05:00

Happy 12th Birthday, Sweet Boy!
You make my heart sing. You really do.